The accident happened in the resort of Praloup in the French Alps & it crashed onto a ski slope. There are no reported injuries and a full investigation is underway. UPDATED

A cabin of the Costebelle gondola, which gives access to the top of the station Pra-Loup fell on to a piste at 13.30 on Sunday afternnon.

Luckily no-one was in it at the time and the slope below was empty.

If not there could have been a very different outcome.

72 people were on the lift at the time and they were evacuated from the lift.

All escaped without injury.

An investigation is underway with the lift and slope beneath it closed.

"An incident occurred today in mid-day on the télécabine gondola. There are no injuries. Teams of mechanical remontés are active to evacuate all the people in the cabins," said a statement from the resort.

Gondola rescue in Pra-Loup:

It is very rare for a gondola to fall from its cables and the resort is urging people not to speculate until the investigation is concluded.

"Before making any comments, we ask you to wait for the conclusions of the investigation in progress. Know that the safety of our customers is our priority. All precautions are taken to evacuate people in security, many teams are mobilised. Thank you for your trust and understanding," said a statement.

The resort is in the southern French Alps near the town of Barcelonnette. The village is at 1,500m with the skiing going up to 2,500m.

There was clear visibility at the time of the accident and a gentle easterly breeze.

The lift was made by Poma and is 35 years old with each cabin taking 6 people. It can carry 1,350 people per hour when at full capacity.

It has a length of 1,566m and a vertical ascent of 450m.

Here at PlanetSKI we will be updating this story as we get more information so do check back.

Accident scene

Images have been posted on social media from those at the resort and involved.

"Dozens of skiers are trapped in the cabins in Praloup after the fall of a gondola. There's no hurt. Skiers should be evacuated by helicopter," said Andre Faucon on Facebook.